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Manila Bulletin

Opinion

The good shepherds of our time

Opinion

The good shepherds of our time

By Manila Bulletin

REFLECTIONS TODAY

Gospel • John 10:11-18

The evangelist John introduces the image of the shepherd by describing how the shepherd enters the sheepfold, calls the sheep by name, and leads the flock to pasture. Then Jesus identifies himself as the good shepherd who lays down his life for the sheep.

The text mentions the suspicion often leveled at shepherds by acknowledging that those who came before Jesus were indeed “thieves and robbers” (Jn 10:8). The image is transformed completely when the title “good shepherd” is applied to Jesus. The context makes clear that Jesus is not claiming expertise in animal husbandry; rather, it suggests that he is claiming a special relationship with the flock.

Responsible leaders, like good shepherds, were expected to seek the welfare of the flock and even risk their lives for the flock, but only Jesus, the good shepherd, would lay down his life for the sheep. People today, some of whom see shepherds only in movies and television, are nonetheless moved by the comforting image of a shepherd.

In times of particular difficulty or intense sorrow, they derive comfort from praying Psalm 23: “The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I lack. In green pastures he makes me lie down; to still waters he leads me” (vv 1-2). Moreover, the image of Jesus as Good Shepherd challenges leaders to be “shepherds after God’s own heart” and inspires the people, the “flock,” to turn to him for love and security

Source: “366 Days with the Lord 2024,” St. Paul’s, 7708 St. Paul Rd., SAV, Makati City (Phils.); Tel.: 632-895-9701; E-mail: [email protected]; Website: http://www.stpauls.ph.

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